Bobby Flay Bobby Flay owns and operates Bobby's Burger Palace, Bobby's Burgers, and Amalfi. He debuted on the Food Network in 1994, since starring on Beat Bobby Flay, Boy Meets Grill, Bobby Flay's Barbecue Addiction, and The Flay List. He's known for opening Mesa Grill, which was successful for 22 years in New York City. Experience Bobby Flay's culinary identity was discovered while working as a cook at Joe Allen's in the theatre district at the age of 17. His father, who was a partner in the restaurant, had arranged the job for him. Bobby's talents impressed Joe Allen so much that he paid the young cook's tuition to The French Culinary Institute after a short time.Flay opened Mesa Grill in 1991, where he won the James Beard Award for Rising Star Chef of the Year in 1993. He went on to win Best National Television Cooking Show for Bobby Flay Chef Mentor in 2005 and was named among Who's Who of Food & Beverage in America in 2007.Flay debuted on the Food Network in 1994 and has been bringing cooking tips and information about American regional cuisine to a national audience ever since. Education Bobby Flay graduated from the first class at the French Culinary Institute (FCI) in 1984. About Food & Wine Food & Wine, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, is an award-winning online resource for anyone passionate about the culinary world. With rigorously tested recipes and the most trusted restaurant, drinks, culinary travel and home coverage, we inspire and empower people everywhere to discover, create, and devour the best in food and wine. Learn more about us and our editorial process.